Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Newborns

What is CMV in newborns?

CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a herpes virus. It is very common. It affects people of all
ages and in all parts of the U.S. In most cases CMV causes mild symptoms, or no symptoms
at all. But it can cause serious problems in an unborn baby or newborn.

What causes CMV in newborns?

CMV is a virus that is spread from a person with the virus to someone else. The virus
can spread:

To the unborn baby from the mother during pregnancy (congenital CMV)

To the newborn from the mother during delivery or through breastmilk (perinatal CMV)

In households with young children and in daycare centers

By contact with infected saliva, urine, vaginal fluid, or semen

What are the symptoms of CMV in newborns?

Congenital CMV

Most babies with CMV that is present at birth (congenital CMV) don’t have symptoms.
Symptoms may include:

Hearing loss (this may be found during regular newborn hearing screening)

Small size, including small head size

Enlarged liver and spleen

Yellow color to skin (jaundice)

Small broken blood vessels under the skin

Eye problems

Perinatal CMV

Babies with CMV that is passed along during birth or through breastmilk (perinatal
CMV) may not have symptoms. Signs and symptoms are usually seen only in very premature
or sick newborns between 3 weeks and 6 months of age. They may include: